Kashmir Autumn Special – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Your day begins on arrival in Srinagar, where you are met and transferred to Hotel Dal View Residency to settle in. After a short rest, set out for the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, laid out on the slopes of the Zabarwan Range above Dal Lake. Stroll the terraced beds, where rows of tulips in vivid colours open against the water and the mountains beyond, and take your time along the paths with views over the lake. On the way back, pause at the lakeside to watch the shikaras and houseboats drifting past.

Later in the afternoon, continue to the nearby Botanical Garden at Cheshmashahi, a quiet green space with shaded walks and old chinar trees, before a gentle drive along the Dal Lake boulevard. If time allows, stop at the Mughal-era Gardens of Cheshmashahi, known for its spring-fed fountain and lawns facing the lake. As evening falls, return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner, with the rest of the evening free to rest after the journey. Overnight stay at Hotel Dal View Residency.

Begin your second day with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg, climbing through pine forests and meadows as the landscape opens into the Kashmir Valley. On arrival, check in at Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg and take some time to settle in and breathe the crisp mountain air before heading out.

The highlight of the day is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car rides in the world. Ride the first phase to Kongdoori and, if conditions permit, continue on the second phase toward Apharwat Peak, taking in sweeping views of the Pir Panjal range and the snow-dusted slopes below. Back on solid ground, stroll around the golf course, among the highest in the world, and visit the historic St. Mary's Church, a charming wooden structure from the colonial era. Later, walk to the Maharani Temple, perched on a small hillock, and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

As evening settles over the meadow, return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner and a restful night's sleep. Overnight stay at Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg.

Begin your final day with the scenic drive from Gulmarg toward Gurez, following the road along the Kishanganga River as the valley narrows and the pine forests give way to rugged mountain slopes. The journey itself is the morning's centerpiece, with the river running alongside you and the snow-clad peaks of the Habba Khatoon range gradually coming into view. Pause at the viewpoints along the route to take in the changing landscape before continuing into the valley.

On arrival in Gurez, settle in and then head out to explore the surroundings at an easy pace. Walk through the riverside meadows and the small villages scattered across the valley, where wooden houses and traditional lifestyles offer a glimpse of life in this remote corner of Kashmir. Visit the Habba Khatoon peak, the distinctive pyramid-shaped mountain that dominates the skyline and is named after the celebrated Kashmiri poetess, and spend time by the Kishanganga taking in the quiet and the clear mountain air. If time allows, wander through the local bazaar area to see the everyday life of the valley.

As evening approaches, return to the hotel and unwind after the day's drive and walks, with the sound of the river and the mountain views closing out your three-day journey. Overnight stay at Vitasta Hotel.